A review by kay_m
Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer

3.0

Merit was terrified. She was completely unafraid…. She felt like some other person. She felt completely like herself.

A straight woman writes a novel about two straight women who turn gay for each other.

I might not have read it if I’d known that’s what it was. But I actually didn’t hate it – although I can see why some do. (For a fun take on all that’s terrible about it, check out this review by Bandit.)

Bandit's astute criticisms aside, I found it to be a thoughtful and well-written exploration of the fluidity of some women’s attractions. And of marriage. And infidelity. And the unfulfilling aspects of parenting.

If you read it, be sure not to skip the conversation with the author at the end. The epilogue changes everything, and she almost didn’t write it. I’m not sure I trust her explanation, but I found that little nugget intriguing - mostly for what it says about the author.